Business Aviation Regional Forums

Exhibitors, Vendors and Attendees Ready for Business at Boca Forum

February 11, 2011

NBAA's Regional Forums could be viewed as a condensed version of the Association's Annual Meeting & Convention, the world's largest civil aviation trade show, in that the regional events provide the elements most valued at the Convention: networking opportunities, education sessions, an exhibit floor and a Static Display of Aircraft.

NBAA's first 2011 Forum is poised to deliver on what event participants value most. At the forum, taking place on February 17 at Avitat Boca Raton at the Boca Raton Airport, Exhibit space has sold out, with more than 70 Exhibitors and nearly 20 aircraft on Static Display. Several timely education sessions are planned, which focus on aircraft finance, advocating for business aviation and more.

When the business aviation community gathers in Boca Raton and elsewhere, business will get done, according to attendees and exhibitors at the upcoming Boca Forum. "This Forum will bring the aviation community of Florida and the Southeast states together so that everyone has a chance to meet everyone on a personal scale," said Jeff Ramsden, president of the South Florida Business Aviation Association (SFBAA).

Clint Clouatre, senior marketing manager with Forum Exhibitor Embraer Executive Jets, echoed Ramsden's comments. "These events really offer all of the benefits of the annual Convention, but at the local level. We are all in the business-travel business, and these Forums let us reach customers and network with people who may not get a chance to attend the annual show. Local companies may not bring their whole team to the Convention, but this is a cost-effective way to meet the manufacturers and exhibitors and
get back to their office and work in the same day."

Embraer has made plans to participate in all NBAA's remaining three Forums in 2011, including the events in Dallas, TX, White Plains, NY and San Jose, CA.

In addition to the marketing venue the forums provide, participants also note that the events offer an introduction to local leaders interested in learning more about the industry. "Florida is an eight-hour drive from end to end, so general aviation is a key to doing business within the state and to reach clients, markets and communities outside of our own," said the SFBAA's Jeff Ramsden.

Ramsden's observations are supported by the facts: aviation plays a huge role in Florida's economy, according to the nonprofit group Alliance for Aviation Across America. Nearly 54- percent of Florida jobs are related to, or dependent on airports. Community airports handle nearly 80-percent of all aircraft operations in the state, and contribute $7.5 billion, or $462 per capita, to the state's economy, with a payroll of $680 million.

There is still time to register to participate, and attendees can take advantage of an online discount, or choose to simply register at the event. Get more information on NBAA's Regional Forums.